Duo steal car at gun point near Great Leighs racetrack

A man is warning others after having his "high-value" car stolen at gunpoint while on a test drive with two people.

Police have issued efits of a man and woman who contacted the victim from Braintree who was selling his car.

The incident happened on March 25 at about 8pm when the owner of the car was met by the man and woman and took them out on a test drive.

The male suspect was driving when he pulled up in the lay-by the Great Leighs race track and pointed a gun at the owner and demanded he got out.

They then drove off.

Police were alerted and the car was recovered in the High Road, Benfleet, early the following morning.

The victim, who does not want to be identified, was left shaken up by the experience.

He hopes that someone will recognises the two people from the efit and contact police. He believes that they could come from South Essex or east London area.

He said: "I would warn anyone who is considering taking a stranger on a test drive to make sure that they get a copy of their driving licence, check their insurance documents and make a note of the registration number of the vehicle they arrive in."

Anyone who recognises the two people is asked to contact detectives at Chelmsford CID on 101, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.